05/24/12 jb/jgm

HAYS, Kan. -- Linn Ann Huntington, professor of communication studies at Fort Hays State University, brought back four first place awards in six categories from the Kansas Professional Communicators state competition.

In the collegiate faculty division, Huntington placed first in Informational Columns, Personal Opinion Columns, News Release-Single release, and Book Edited by Entrant. Huntington also took second in Feature Release-Single release and third in Personal Opinion Columns.

Huntington also received the Communicator Achievement Award.

"I was nominated by Becky Funke, editor and publisher of Active Aging, a newspaper for senior citizens in Wichita," said Huntington. "Cheryl Miller, assistant dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Wichita State University, was the one who handed me my COA Award at the conference. I really enjoyed meeting and getting to know her."

Huntington gave this advice to students considering a career in communication studies.

"Education is something that takes place our entire lives. I think it is crucial that individuals take advantage of professional development opportunities throughout their careers. There they have the opportunity to meet some of the top communication professionals in the state and do valuable career networking. I encourage students to seize every opportunity they can for networking and professional development."